I feed them layer crumbles 16% protein, a side dish of oyster shell always kept full. Meal worms for snacks, fresh water daily. They free range all day they do not get locked up at all unless it is bed time. I haven't seen any signs of worms, I haven't wormed them yet. But the weight loss is starting to make me think something is wrong. The one closest to me is the one in question.Hi, Pipsmomma, and welcome to BYC!
What do you feed them? Do they free range? Have you ever wormed them or seen any signs of worms?
Post a picture of them if you can.
So they were bigger and are losing weight then? I thought they just grew and never got big. Since they're losing weight, then for sure I'd worm them. Safeguard is one I hear used a lot. I've never wormed mine though. Having worms is probably the number one cause of weight loss, so after you deworm them, keep an eye on them and see if they start gaining weight again.
Hello! Welcome to BYC! Great photos!
Glad you joined.
thanks for sharing! Worms can definitely cause weight loss. As @Debbie292d suggested, they may need to be wormed. I use Safeguard as well, it kills off all worms except Tape Worms. You might also start a thread in our Emergency forum for more help, the members there are quite knowledgeable. Click here... https://www.backyardchickens.com/forums/emergencies-diseases-injuries-and-cures.10/
